Uncertainty. Worry. Fear. Concern. Holding the fort down. Struggle. Due to the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain disruption, health concerns, and financial burdens, these anxieties have landed on the hearts of many in the agricultural community. The people running these businesses need more than financial support; they need resources to manage the exponential mental stress they face every day from the uncertainty of how their businesses may fare. The topic of mental health is still largely unaddressed in the United States farming community, with a u201cpick yourself up by your bootstrapsu201d mentality that prevents many from asking for help. If you need support to reduce your stress or keep your business afloat, the CCOF Foundation and Farm Aid are here to help.
Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep family farmers on the land, and they have raised $57 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. Farm Aid is much more than just fiscally invested in family farmers; they are committed to the emotional and mental well-being of the communities they serve, and were one of the early leaders to provide a diverse list of resources for farmers to help them weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farm Aidu2019s list includes the following materials that can help reduce stress among farmers:
- Michigan State University Extension, Managing Farm Stress
- University of Maine, Recognizing the Signs of Farm Family Stress
- Farm Strong resources to help you live well on the farm
The CCOF Foundation Board of Trustees is responding to farmers in need by doubling the amount of hardship assistance grants from the CCOF Foundationu2019s Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund. Applications for hardship assistance grants have quadrupled. Joining us in our goal to give even more organic farmers a helping hand, Farm Aid has become the first Champion-level supporter of the Bricmont Hardship Assistance since its inception in 2014.
The CCOF Foundation is proud to offer financial support to any certified organic producer experiencing hardship. These grants are available twice annually. Our Fall/Winter application cycle will open later this year.
If you or your business is in a position to donate to support the CCOF Foundationu2019s Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund, please contact Shawna Rodgers at srodgers@ccof.org or make a direct donation. 100% of your gift will be given directly to an organic producer in need.
The CCOF Foundation is proud to partner with Farm Aid to support the economic and emotional recovery of organic producers.